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Laser Eye Surgery Glossary

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Aberrations

The complex shape of the cornea
can mean there are many different factors that can cause distortion or blurring
of the viewed image. It is possible to derive the individual contributing factors
that cause these distortions. These are called aberrations. Lower order aberrations
(such as 'Sphere' or 'Cylinder') are corrected by glasses or contact lenses or standard
laser procedures such as LASIK laser
eye surgery. Higher order aberrations (such as 'Coma' or 'Trefoil')
can only be corrected by the latest Wavefront laser eye
surgery treatments.

Aberrometry

Measuring the extent of a person's optical aberrations using a diagnostic instrument
known as an aberrometer.

Ablate

In laser eye surgery, to remove.

Ablation

The vaporization of tissue with the excimerExcimerEXCited diMER - The type of
laser used in laser eye surgery. laser. Further reading

Ablation zone

The area of tissue that is removed during laser eye surgery. Further reading

Abrasion

Accommodation

Acuity

Algorithm

Calculations that have taken into account various factors. When applied to laser
eye surgery software this means the calculations should allow for the factors and
correctly predict the change that is made in the patient's prescription.

Ambient Illumination

Brightness of surrounding level of light.

Amblyopia

Clinical name for a lazy eye,
blind or low-functioning eye. Many patients with amblyopia can still be treated
with laser eye surgery, although the underlying difference in vision between the
two eyes will still remain.
Further reading

Anaesthetic

Anaesthetic eye drops are used during laser eye surgery to numb the eye for about
an hour, with no injections required. Further reading

Aqueous humor

This vision correction treatment involves the implant of a soft, synthetic lens
into the eye. This will act in the same way as a standard contact lens, staying
in place to help the eye to focus clearly.